Japanese car makers have long been known for producing reliable cars, but don’t for a minute think that this makes them boring.
Many offer class-leading levels of driving enjoyment. To help you choose your next Japanese-made car, this handy list contains 10 of the best on sale today.
Our top 10 best Japanese cars you can buy:
- Mazda MX-5
- Toyota GR Yaris
- Lexus LC
- Nissan Juke
- Honda Jazz
- Nissan Qashqai
- Mazda 3
- Toyota Corolla
- Nissan Ariya
- Mazda CX-5
1. Mazda MX-5
- Great handling
- Zesty performance
- Excellent value
The Mazda MX-5 has long been the default choice for anyone looking for a fun two-door roadster on a tightish budget. It handles well and is just the right size to make the most of tight back roads.
You and your passenger will have to travel light, but there’s enough boot space for a shopping trip or a weekend away. Turbocharged hatchbacks may be quicker, but none will deliver this kind of undiluted driving enjoyment.
2. Toyota GR Yaris
- Useable every day
- Lots of fun to drive fast
- Superb three-cylinder engine
It may share its name and a few parts with the city-friendly Toyota Yaris, but adding the GR (for Gazoo Racing) prefix turns this little hatch into a rally car for the road.
It gets some major upgrades over the standard Yaris, including a 261bhp 1.6-litre turbocharged three-cylinder motor, four-wheel drive and uprated suspension. The end result is a ballistic hot hatchback that is deceptively quick and tons of fun to drive.
3. Lexus LC
- Sonorous V8 engine
- Fun to drive at any speed
- Beautiful inside and out
It has a tiny boot, barely usable rear seats and isn’t cheap, but these minor issues will fade into insignificance the moment you set eyes on the stunning Lexus LC.
The interior is just as exquisitely crafted, and you won’t be disappointed with the performance from its delightful V8 engine. The sound alone sets it apart from most rivals in its class.
4. Nissan Juke
- Unique exterior design
- Impressive safety spec on all trims
- Well-built and economical, too
The Juke has always sported an eye-catching exterior design, and this latest model continues that trend but now comes with additional interior space and the latest safety tech – most of it as standard.
Some rivals may be roomier, but the Juke stands out from the crowd thanks to its adventurous styling. Interior quality is good as well, and the 1.0-litre engine is nippy around town.
5. Honda Jazz
- Spacious interior
- Relaxing to drive
- Efficient mild-hybrid engine
The Honda Jazz offers a winning combination of practicality and efficiency thanks to a clever interior design and a frugal mild-hybrid petrol engine.
It may not be the most exciting car to drive, but few alternatives are as relaxing to drive around town. There’s also space for four adults and the rear seats can easily be folded flat if you need to pack in some bulky items.
6. Nissan Qashqai
- Plenty of standard equipment
- Comfortable to drive
- Well-built interior
The midsize SUV class is packed with impressive offerings, yet the Qashqai has regularly led the sales charts thanks to its solid build quality, fuss-free driving experience and great value.
The latest model introduces some impressive interior tech and is spacious enough for a family of four and their luggage. It may not be the most fun car to drive, but it makes up for this by being comfortable on longer journeys.
7. Mazda 3
- Engaging driving experience
- Impressive interior quality
- Intuitive infotainment system
The Mazda 3 offers a stylish exterior design that carries through to the plush interior. It has a great infotainment system and offers plenty of space for occupants up front.
You won’t fault the driving experience either, although the trade off for this is a slightly firm ride. The rear can be a bit cramped for adults on longer trips as well.
8. Toyota Corolla
- Affordable running costs
- Impressive interior quality
- Comfortable to drive
The Toyota Corolla is a solid offering that promises low running costs and a pleasingly well-built interior. It looks pretty sporty too, and the hybrid engines are nippy enough for most daily driving duties.
You get a lot of standard kit even on the base model, and you can choose between hatchback and estate body styles, depending on how much space you need.
9. Nissan Ariya
- Stylish design
- Spacious interior
- Generous equipment levels
Electric family SUV’s offer a desirable combination of low running costs, hi-tech features and a hassle-free driving experience. The Nissan Ariya is one of the most stylish offerings in its class, and it is available in a range of trims to suit most needs.
The larger 87kWh battery packs promise up to 310 miles of range and while boot space is a bit tight, there’s plenty of space for five adults in the futuristic-looking interior.
10. Mazda CX-5
- Sharp looks
- Enjoyable to drive
- Plenty of kit
There’s a lot to like about the Mazda CX-5, it looks smart without resorting to gimmicky design cues, and has an interior that is both practical and generously equipped even in standard trim.
Some alternatives have larger boots but the CX-5 counters with an engaging driving experience and two impressive engine choices.
Buy your next car (and sell your old one) with carwow
Found the perfect Japanese car? Then take a look at the latest offers on your preferred model through carwow.
A network of trusted dealers will come to you with their best offers. There’s no need to haggle or negotiate and you can compare your offers in one place without even having to leave your home.
If you’re thinking of selling your old car, you can do that through carwow, too. Again, a network of dealers will come to you with their best offers for your vehicle — no haggling, no stress, and the price you’re offered is the price you’ll get. The dealership will make payment and collect your car.
